BUKIT JAMBUL, PENANG, 6 March 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC) has partnered with a medical services company, Kamarizs Medicare Sdn. Bhd. (KZSM) for a research collaboration involving a new skincare product, set to be unveiled next year.

This USM-KZSM partnership is carried out via a research project entitled ‘Optimization of Anti-hyperpigmentation Polysaccharide from Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaves using Microwave-Assisted Extraction’, and it would yield results that is expected to boost the wellness and aesthetic medicine industry in the country. 

The research collaboration was sealed through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) inked by both parties here on 21 February 2023 to study the ingredients to be used in the new product, and is expected to be completed within 15 months.

ABrC Director, Profesor Dr. Zafarina Zainuddin signed the agreement on behalf of USM, while Kamarisz Medicare Sdn. Bhd. was represented by its Director 2, Datin Dr. Suhaila Sujani.

Present as witnesses were Project Head (USM), Dr. Muhammad Hakimin Shafie and KZSM Director 1, Dato’ Dr. Zahir Husain Kamari.

Zafarina said in her speech, she was proud that USM continued to expand its network with the industry and community in establishing a collaboration, as well as providing benefits to all to support talent development and research according to the needs of the cosmetics industry.

"This is definitely a mechanism to bridge the knowledge gap between academics and industry. As we all know, the transition to Industrial Revolution 4.0 requires enablers to make the transformation a success.

"This collaboration is also expected to be a catalyst for collaboration between academics in research, sharing facilities and exchanging expertise with the industry in the related field," she added.

Meanwhile, Suhaila said this collaboration was the first between KZSM and USM, having worked with other local universities for a similar purpose.

"At KZSM, we are engaging in research and development (R&D) to gain consumers' trust in our products. Our aim is to have Malaysia's own products that are world class, safe, effective and natural in the evolution of beauty medicine in the country.

"We are also confident that with the research expertise of USM and the experience and capabilities of our manufacturer, MM Cosmetic Sdn. Bhd., the product will comply with the specifications of this study,” she added.  

Also present at the signing ceremony were ABrC Deputy Director, Associate Professor Dr. Gan Chee Yuen; MM Cosmetic Sdn. Bhd. Chief Executive Officer, Shiny Lim; as well as the principal officers of the University, Kamarisz Medicare Sdn. Bhd. dan MM Cosmetic Sdn. Bhd.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa